Question Number: 31783

Law 11 - Offside 9/12/2017

RE: Rec Under 11

Nelson of Lancaster, CA USA asks...

I happened across this YouTube video, and there's a beautiful 30-yard shot at about 3:55... https://youtu.be/7MbDnCwboKM?t=3m55s

At the time of the shot, there's a white-team striker in offside position. I think it's interesting case to spur discussion when teaching referees about Law 11.

I asked a friend to zoom in and trim the video to make it easier to see. The shot happens at about 0:30 in this edit: https://vimeo.com/233426670

Should the referee have called an offside infringement?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Nelson
The decision rests on whether the Red defender played the ball or not. It looks like the defender did in fact play the ball albeit poorly in which case that play reset offside. The White PIOP was not close enough to challenge the defender for the ball so it could not be interfering with an opponent.
Had White PIOP touched the ball or challenged the defender then it would have been offside.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Nelson,
the offside positioned white player was NOT a factor, no offside was possible as he WAS NOT involved in active play . The red defender whether it was a deliberate play and error or not, it looks as if the ball THEN contacts the white ONSIDE player turning his back which WOULD reset offside for the PIOP white player anyway rendering him eligible given he was behind the ball, further from the goal line when his team mate touched the ball.
In my opinion at no time did it look as if the PIOP had any effect on actual plays or decisions by red. Although he did WANT to participate the fact he was too far away, did not touch the ball and did not interfere with the opponent who miskicked Easy no call
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Nelson,
In my opinion no, the referee should not have called an offside offence here. The offside-positioned white player you refer to was not involved in active play according to any of the definitions in the Laws of the Game. He did not touch the ball and he did not interfere with an opponent.